​In early August a family in rural North Carolina discovered Willie, a very thin five to six-year-old American Foxhound mix, shivering on their deck. He was weak and shaky, and could barely stand. He had a tear in his ear, a portion of his tail cut off, a broken tooth, and bare patches of red skin on his hips and legs. His eyes were dark pools of worry and sadness. Willie asked for help the only way he knew how, with his pleading and soulful eyes.